Overview
In Spring 2022, SOUL was invited by the Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association, Lower 9th Ward Neighborhood Association and Lower 9th Ward Economic Development District to plant trees in their community. After additional requests from Lower 9th Ward residents through SOUL’s Neighborhood Selection Process, SOUL began outreach in the Lower 9th Ward.
Purpose Of This Project
Our strategy is to offer trees to every property in the neighborhood in order for trees to make their maximum impact on absorbing stormwater and decreasing street flooding, decreasing subsidence (land sinking), lowering air temperatures and energy bills, cleaning our air, water, and soil, slowing wind speeds during storm events, while also beautifying the community. Additionally, Lower 9 community members have stated that they anticipate that trees in the right-of-way will reduce illegal dumping and make sidewalks more usable.
Partners
Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association (L9WHA)
Lower 9th Ward Neighborhood Association (L9NA)
Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED)
The New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways
Upcoming Planting Dates
This fall, SOUL will plant 400 more trees in the Lower Ninth Ward! Interested in volunteering? Click here to register to plant with us on the following Lower Ninth planting dates:
- Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 9am to 1pm
- Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9am to 1pm
- Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9am to 1pm
- Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9am to 1pm
Special thanks to the New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways for their grant funding in support of 400 more trees in the Lower 9th Ward!
History of SOUL
Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL) is a local nonprofit founded in 2016 with the goal of driving a resilient and environmentally equitable New Orleans through reforesting the city. Since its launch, SOUL has partnered with neighborhood organizations to plant 7,969 native, water-loving trees throughout Orleans Parish.
SOUL’s Planting Process
When SOUL partners with a neighborhood, residents do not have to apply to receive a tree. SOUL will plan for each property to receive a tree and obtain the necessary permits with the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways. Once the permit has been approved, SOUL will alert every property owner with a mailed letter that they have been slated to receive a tree. Additionally, a door hanger will be placed at the residence as a second notification for homeowners and a first notification for renters. Both documents contain the date tree will be planted and SOUL’s contact information. If a homeowner/renter does not wish to receive a tree, they simply contact SOUL to decline or “opt out” of the project.
There is no cost to the homeowner/renter. SOUL plants and waters all trees in the right-of-way for one year to ensure the trees are established properly.
Check Out SOUL Trees Already In Your Neighborhood!
• In the Winter of 2022, SOUL and 130 volunteers planted 83 trees at the TEP Center and along neighboring blocks. These are located mainly on Gordon and Alabo between Claiborne and St. Claude.
• SOUL planted 258 more trees in the Spring of 2023. These are located on Delery St to Tupelo St between N Claiborne and Florida Ave.
• This map shows every tree planted by SOUL including those in the Lower 9th Ward.
General Questions or Concerns? Contact Jazmin Castillo | Data & Outreach Coordinator | 504.233.4639 | jcastillo@soulnola.org
Questions specific to your tree? Contact Emily Stieber | Operations Manager | 504.273.4954 | estieber@soulnola.org
Community Contacts:
Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association | Gaynell Brady | 504.943.6000 | info@l9wha.org